The United States and the United Nations has opposed the military seizures or unconstitutional transfers of power over the lack of transparency and reports of irregularities surrounding the election in Gabon.
In a French statement which was read out by one of the officer on Gabon 24 television channel on Tuesday said the military junta announced “putting an end to the regime” and cancelling the results of a recent election.
The military who expressed dissatisfaction to the general elections of 26 August 2023, admitted that the organisation of the polls did not meet the conditions for a transparent, credible and inclusive ballot with so much hoped for the people of Gabon.
The outcome of the election heightened tensions, forcing the military to intervene. “We have decided to defend peace by putting an end to the current regime,” one of the soldiers said during the declaration.
This, the Gabonese military junta added, was down to “irresponsible, unpredictable governance resulting in a continuing deterioration in social cohesion that risks leading the country into chaos”.
In a statement released by State Department Spokesman, Mathew Miller on Wednesday said the United States is deeply concerned by evolving events in Gabon.
According to him, “We remain strongly opposed to military seizures or unconstitutional transfers of power. We urge those responsible to release and ensure the safety of members of government and their families and to preserve civilian rule.
United States called on all actors to show restraint and respect for human rights and to address their concerns peacefully through dialogue following announcement of election results.
“We also note with concern the lack of transparency and reports of irregularities surrounding the election. The United States stands with the people of Gabon”, the statement added.
According to the statement issued on Wednesday by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General, António Guterres who is following evolving situation in Gabon very closely noted with deep concern election results announcement amidst reports of serious infringements of fundamental freedoms.
He firmly condemned the ongoing coup attempt as a means to resolve the post-electoral crisis while reaffirmed his strong opposition to military coups, saying the United Nations stands by the people of Gabon.
The Secretary-General called on all actors involved to exercise restraint, engage in meaningful dialogue and ensure that the rule of law, human rights are fully respected, urging the national army and security forces to guarantee the physical integrity of the President of the Republic and his family.
Earlier, Media Bypass News reported the 51-second video displayed on social media, where the Gabonese President, Ali Bongo confirmed that he had been arrested and isolated from his son and wife, who he said were held at another place.
Bongo said in the video, “My name is Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of Gabon. I am sending a message to all friends that we have all over the world, to tell them to make noise, to make noise.”
Born Alain Bernard Bongo on February 9, 1959, in Congo- Brazzaville, the 64-year-old was Gabon’s president from 2009 when his Omar Bongo, who ruled Gabon for almost 42 years, from 1967 died.